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Tuesday, November 23

I've finally completed the transformation of one of the boxes sent to me by DotComGiftShop. The boxes are currently out of stock, but there are lots of other yummy alterable bits here.

I've used Websters pages again and teamed them with bits from K&Co and a paper tape measure made using a Cuttlebug embossing plate.

The little burlap buttons are by Nicki Saville but were very kindly sent to me by Kath, thank you.

There's a little sewing machine stamp on one side and a similar sized set of pinking shears on the other. Both from a Hero Arts set - another £2.99 Hobbycraft bargain. The trim around the lid of the box is by Papermania.

I've filled it with bits and bobs and there's plenty of room to fit in lots more.

The papers are from Websters and the scalloped mat I received in a swap, I think. The little cracked glass effect heart was left over from some makes earlier in the year.

The headache's better, but I can still feel it just below the surface waiting to burst out again, if that makes any sense. My migraines are always brought on by strange lighting. I have to carry sunglasses with me at all times. My sister will attest to this as we have wasted ages searching the house for a pair before a day out! I haven't had a migraine for a couple of years, so it took me quite by surprise. I'd sat in a coffee morning with a light bulb flashing for about an hour on Saturday morning and then in the evening I was so engrossed by the final episode of 'Pillars Of The Earth' that I hadn't noticed that the reading lamp next to me had been left on. I think a combination of the 2 in one day probably did me in. Wasn't going to miss the end of 'Pillars' though, SMO and I have been glued to that series. I think the Ken Follett book will have to added to my Christmas list.

Sunday, November 21

I've pulled myself out of my self enforced doldrums and have projects to blog and challenges to enter. But, I've had a migraine over night and despite being OK for hours I just can't face looking at the screen any longer. It's going to be big catch-up time next week.

Wednesday, November 17

The painted box on the top is one from the DotComGiftShop and I need to get on and finish decorating it along with its friends. Nestled inside are the tags I have started for this month's swap at Tag You're It.

The rest is just havoc.

My sale on Friday was a disaster.

The lady that had invited me to come to the group was sick and no one else seemed to know I was going to be there. It just went down hill from there.

One of the few things I did manage to sell was the little notebook that I made for the 'Jungle' theme this month at By The Cute And Girly.

Apart from that, it has all left me very dejected and jaded about crafting in general. Inspiration and enthusiasm has left me. :(

To see far more enthusiastic and prolific crafters pop over to Julia's Stamping Ground where every Wednesday we all link up for a cuppa and a natter.

Sunday, November 7

Not a lot of challenges or card making going on around here. I've made a few sticky note pads for my stall on Friday.

Did a tiny bit of shopping and a few bits fell into my basket when I ordered the latest Creativity! magazine.

Looks like there are a few interesting things in the pipeline from DoCrafts including Country Companions - I always liked those little mice.

Finally I received a parcel in the post from Creative Expressions via Crafts Beautiful as a prize.

I've been wanting to try these Eco Green products and it looks like the Post Office wanted to have a play with them too! Luckily only one tube of paint has burst and it was all well sealed in plastic for damage limitation. Thank you Creative Expressions I shall enjoy having a play with them and of course I will report back on how they compare to the products I usually favour.

I love collecting Magnolia stamps and now I have started a collection of the mini stamps too!

These are mini fairies from the last 2 collections. The background paper is BoBunny Believe. I've painted the images with Distress inks and popped them in a ready made shaker card that's been hanging around for simply ages.

I have a whole box of them and can't remember why I got them. Perhaps I will have to see how inventive I can be using them up.

Wednesday, November 3

Found this frame yesterday and just had to drop all other projects and get it done.

It's made of thick cardboard and after a little test patch I realised, with some disappointment, that Glimmer mists wouldn't work on it, they just sunk away. Plan b, I painted it with cream acrylic, inked it with various Distress inks and painted over with Rock Candy Crackle paint. I did my best to make it look as if it might have been wood.

Once it was dry, I stamped a few images over the top and rubbed gold ink and wax over to try and age it a bit more.

Then on to the picture. I used the same inks to colour the paper, plus a few darker ones. Inked inside a mask for the sun and then got stamping. The flowers are from Artemio and the bee and bug are ancient stamps from Inca that I have had at least 10 years.

I couldn't resist a bit of shimmer on the bee's wings.

As there was a recess on the frame I couldn't stop myself from putting something in it. I found a shimmering apple in my decorating supplies from Hobbycraft and hot glued it in place along with the mushrooms.

At this point I had to stop myself from covering the frame with leaves and creatures as I really did want the picture to be the focal point. I've just got to get more of these frames to do!!!

It's the final weekly challenge before Tag You're It becomes a monthly swap challenge.

I did say I'd finished with Halloween and I have got my Christmas craft supplies out...........................but. I think I may have a couple more spooky makes in me yet. I think the supplies will stay out for use on grungy challenge cards too.